Paul is not dealing with a case of defiant sin, he is talking about human failure, being "overtaken" (and yielding to sin) as in the "flesh" winning a battle.
In the verses we studied last week, we realize the war between the spirit and the flesh is an ongoing battle, but when we walk with the Holy Spirit the lusts of the flesh are subdued and lose their power.
But we, being human are still very susceptible to being "overtaken" by the flesh and trespassing.
Paul is much sterner when it comes to defiant, purposeful sinning. (See 1 Cor. 5)
But in this situation he states: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." The proper response in this situation should not be punishment, condemnation, or disfellowship but rather a gentle, caring response to help them "mend" and be restored in their spiritual walk.
Interesting too, Paul's caution seems to be saying, Don't look down on this person because you weren't the one who slipped in his particular trespass -- remember you could very easily be the next fall. When Jesus looked at the multitudes plagued with sin, He felt compassion for them. We too need that compassion and remember, our own walk is totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit leading and enabling us.
We should gently care for our brothers and sisters in Christ who may stumble and fall as we walk together on the path to God's kingdom.
A question we need to consider -- When we see a person slip and fall do we reach out to them with compassion as Jesus did, to lift them up and encourage them in the spiritual walk, (as in matt.18) or do we gossip and condemn them?
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